The United States has requested an explanation from Tanzania and called for an investigation following the arrest and deportation of activists, including one from Kenya and one from Uganda, who were detained on Tanzanian soil.
On Friday, May 23, it was revealed that Boniface Mwangi and journalist Agather Atuhaire were dumped at the borders of their respective countries after being held for several hours at an undisclosed location.
The two were arrested while in Tanzania to attend the court hearing of opposition politician Tundu Lissu.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs expressed serious concern over “the mistreatment of East African activists in Tanzania.”
Both Mwangi and Atuhaire reported that they had been tortured during their detention.
The United States added:
“We call for an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold accountable those responsible for acts of torture and other rights violations.”
In addition to the U.S., Amnesty International on Friday also urged Tanzania to investigate the reported mistreatment of the two individuals.
Tanzania is under growing pressure, especially after President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently warned that her government would not tolerate any interference in the country’s internal affairs.
